Restaurants with Great Rooftops in Washington

Where to go when you’d like a good nibble along with a killer view

Enjoy great Greek fare on the roof at Cava. Photo by Yassine El Mansouri

Eventide3165 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-276-3165Clarendon’s Eventide boasts a sparkling view, a relaxed ’80s soundtrack, and the same great service found throughout the three-level restaurant. Bar food is elevated here, with such offerings as sweet and smoky bison barbecue sliders and house-made soft pretzels with stout mustard and deviled ham.Perrys1811 Columbia Rd., NW; 202-234-6218Perrys in Adams Morgan offers two rooftop experiences: the restaurant’s main menu and another available at the bar. We like the guacamole-heavy fish taco from the bar menu and a refreshing bowl of eel and cucumber from the sushi menu.Marvin 2007 14th St., NW; 202-797-7171One of our favorite rooftop bars is at Marvin. To go with a Belgian brew, you can order one of the best burgers in town. Topped with bacon and havarti, the well-seasoned patty also benefits from a buttery brioche bun. The irresistible fried chicken and waffles is also served on the roof.

Surfside 2444 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-337-0004Nothing says summer like guacamole, tacos, and margaritas, and the best place to enjoy all three is on the roof deck at Surfside in DC’s Glover Park. The Nevis tacos—stuffed with grilled shrimp, pineapple-jalapeño salsa, and lime sour cream—is our favorite dish.

Cava527 Eighth St., SE; 202-543-9090Cava is a growing empire, but the only place so far that you can enjoy the local chain’s Greek small-plates above street level is at its Capitol Hill location. Try the spicy lamb sliders, a watermelon-mint-feta salad available in season, home-style meatballs in tomato sauce, and thick Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts.